Many once big selling cars are now closed as rare in the UK. They include Fords, Vauxhalls, and Nissans. Others are rare because they were commercial flop and never favour, checkout some of the rarest here.
Ford Cougar: 1998 to 2002
The Ford Cougar was a two-door coupe with curvy bodywork, a fashionable image, and reasonable performance. Engine options include a 2.5 litre, V6 petrol that had 168hp. It could be teamed with manual or auto transmission. The Cougar also has decent handling. In 2022 Q1, there were 579 on the road which was far fewer than the previous years. In 2014 Q4, there were 3,772 in use.
Ford: other rare cars
| Dates available in the UK | On the road in early 2022 | On the road in late 2014 | |
| Probe | 1988 to 1997 | 265 | 825 |
| Orion | 1983 to 1993 | 291 | 663 |
Daewoo Nexia: 1995 to 1998
In 1995, Daewoo launched its first cars in the UK. The Nexia took centre stage and was reasonably popular considering the brand lacked recognition. This small family model was based on the Vauxhall Astra, had a pleasing specification, and cheap. In 2022 Q1, there were still 22 in use. In late 2014, there was 353.
Daewoo: other rare cars
| Dates available in the UK | On the road in early 2022 | On the road in late 2014 | |
| Nubira | 1997 to 2002 | 74 | 1,270 |
| Espero | 1995 to 1999 | 13 | 116 |
Vauxhall Senator: 1978 to 1993
The Vauxhall Senator was a large, prestigious, executive saloon that commanded respect on the road. It was spacious and comfortable. It was beautifully equipped and powerful. The Senator had everything needed to be a supreme long distance cruiser. In 2022 Q1, there was 78 left compared to 163 in late 2014.
Vauxhall: other rare cars
| Dates avaiable in the UK | On the road in early 2022 | On the road in late 2014 | |
| Carlton | 1978 to 1994 | 205 | 452 |
| Nova | 1983 to 1993 | 723 | 1,803 |
Nissan Bluebird: 1986 to 1989
The Nissan Bluebird was a large family model built at the Sunderland Plant in the UK. It was comfortable, practical, and built to last. the high equipment specification and wide range of engines added to its appeal. Such strengths made it popular with taxi drivers. The Bluebird was one of the most capable cars of its type. In 2022 Q1, there were 229 left compared to 721 in late 2014.
Nissan: other rare cars
| Dates available in the UK | On the road in early 2022 | On the road in late 2014 | |
| Sunny | 1986 to 1995 | 480 | 1,873 |
| 300ZX | 1990 to 1996 | 219 | 406 |
Talbot Tagora: 1980 to 1983
The Talbot Tagora was a luxury car that failed to make an impression. UK sales were pitifully low from day one. This sales flop had decent styling, rear-wheel drive, and a smart interior. Perhaps it deserved more recognition. The Tagora's most powerful engine was a 2.7 litre, 166hp V6. in 2022 Q1, there was only such vehicle left on the road. It was the same story for late 2014.
Talbot: other rare cars
| Dates available in the UK | On the road in early 2022 | On the road on late 2014 | |
| Horizon | 1979 to 1986 | 13 | 17 |
| Samba | 1981 to 1986 | 16 | 16 |
Alfa Romeo 90: 1984 to 1987
The Alfa Romeo 90 was an executive car with Italian flair. Remarkably for the time, the front bumper had a spoiler that automatically lowered at 50mph to optimise aerodynamics. Redirecting the air also helped cool the engine. The 90 was clearly ahead of its time. In 2022 Q1, there were 211 vehicles left compared to 367 in late 2014.
Alfa Romeo: other rare cars
| Dates available in the UK | On the road in early 2022 | On the road in late 2014 | |
| 166 | 1998 to 2005 | 223 | 666 |
| 145 | 1994 to 2000 | 84 | 328 |
Suzuki X-90: 1996 to 1998
The Suzuki X-90 was a small, quirky, two-door SUV with love it or hate it styling. Sales were low which suggests most people hated it. It looked comical. The X-90 had some redeeming features, though. It was available with all-wheel drive and had a removable roof. In 2022 Q1, there were 131 left compared to 402 in late 2014.
Suzuki: other rare cars
| Dates available in the UK | On the road in early 2022 | On the road in late 2014 | |
| Cappuccino | 1993 to 1998 | 156 | 304 |
Renault Sport Spider: 1996 to 1999
The Renault Sport Spider was a small roadster that stood out from the crowd. It had a lightweight aluminum chassis, plastic composite bodywork, and scissor doors. The engine was mounted in the rear and there was a storage area in the front. The Sport Spider was not built for comfort, though. It did not even have a heater. In 2022 Q1, there was 25 left compared to 28 in late 2014.
Renault: other rare cars
| Dates available in the UK | On the road in early 2022 | On the road in late 2014 | |
| 11 | 1983 to 1988 | 39 | 90 |
| 9 | 1982 to 1988 | 86 | 133 |
Volvo 460: 1989 to 1996
The Volvo 460 was a saloon that had numerous safety features. Standard equipment included the daytime running lights, high level brake light, door open warning message, seatbelt reminder, and blown bulb indicator. This saloon also had side impact bard from 1993. In 2022 Q1, there were 69 left compared to 482 in late 2014.
Volvo: other rare cars
| Dates available in the UK | On the road in early 2022 | On the road in late 2014 | |
| 440 | 1987 to 1996 | 213 | 1,844 |
| 760 | 1982 to 1992 | 136 | 424 |
Citroen C6: 2005 to 2012
The Citroen C6 was a large executive car that genuinely felt different to its rivals. It was a big Citroen, after all. That alone made it quirky. So did the styling. the C6 also inherited kudos from its famous predecessors such as the Citroen DS, SM and XM. in 2022 Q1, there were 500 in use compared to 915 in late 2014.
Citroen: other rare cars
| Dates available in the UK | On the road in early 2022 | On the road in late 2014 | |
| SM | 1970 to 1975 | 95 | 62 |
| GSA | 1980 to 1989 | 24 | 32 |
